Nothing says Christmas more than holding a hot cup of cocoa or a spiced mulled wine, relishing the flavours of roasted chestnuts or a hearty German sausage as you stroll through the enchanting wooden chalets of a Christmas market, all bundled up against the cold.
It’s a sure sign that the season of celebration, family and friendships is upon us. Nowadays, it would be a challenge to find a major town or city in the UK without a Christmas market — but they’re not all made equal.
They vary from one with over 200 chalets nestled within historic Georgian streets to the vintage charm of York’s St Nicholas Fair and the more contemporary, less nostalgic event in Liverpool. Now, consumer experts at Which? have crowned the UK’s best Christmas market.
Their selection is based on those who’ve garnered the most points in an extensive survey including feedback from over 4,000 attendees, reports WalesOnline. They state “each of the eight cities listed below offers excellent food and drink, outstanding cultural attractions, or both achieving at least a four out of five rating in these categories”.
Bath Christmas Market
The Bath Christmas Market tops the Which? list, winning in the favourite “medium-sized city” category. With one of the UK’s largest and most established Christmas markets, the historic city of Bath provides a breathtakingly festive backdrop. Over 200 chalets line the elegant Georgian streets, with most traders coming from England’s south-west.
Which? says visitors can enjoy “a pretty staggering selection of goods from garden sculptures to handmade wooden furniture, Bristolian knitwear to indie fragrances, and gifts for your furry companions”.
The Flapjackery is on hand offering local delicacies like foraged jams and seasonal baked delights for those diving into the yuletide market. Beyond shopping, guests have a chance to visit the historic landmarks such as the monumental Bath Abbey and the ancient Roman Baths, established in 75AD, take a skate at the ice rink in Royal Victoria Park, or stroll the iconic Royal Crescent.
Running from November 28 through December 15, the renowned Bath Christmas market welcomes visitors free of charge.
Which other Christmas markets are on the Which? recommended list?
Which? also highlighted other top Christmas markets to visit in 2024.
Chester’s Christmas market is a smaller affiar, with around 70 stalls nestled around the town’s iconic Victorian Gothic town hall and its cathedral. Shopaholics can further indulge in retail therapy among the city’s legendary double-deck shopping arcades known as the Rows and originating from the 13th century.
In Durham, the Christmas market is described as a “quiet yet lovely affair”, featuring approximately 70 charming stalls that extend from the Market Hall into the adjacent cobbled streets. For those searching for the perfect gift, Durham offers an additional marquee brimming with over 150 crafts and gifts, though entry comes at a price. And for the more active visitors, scaling the 325 steps of Durham Cathedral presents an excellent opportunity to burn off any indulgent festive treats.
Winchester brings its historical charm to the festive season with a spectacular cathedral forming the backdrop for the city’s Christmas market held within its grounds. Patrons are treated to an exquisite variety of goods, from artisan scotch eggs to intricately hand-painted buttons and sumptuous silk scarvesall accompanied by the dulcet tones of local choirs and musicians.
Beyond the market, Winchester’s independent boutiques beckon, and making time to explore the grandeur of the cathedral itself is highly recommended.
In Wells, a charming experience awaits those swift enough to catch it on a single Saturday in mid-December. Nestled within the confines of this bijou medieval city, a stunning gothic cathedral stands, grandiose and embraced by lush open greens.
Come Saturday 14 December, over 100 yuletide stalls will spring up, adorning Bishops Palace Green and Wells Market Place with festive cheer. When not perusing market offerings, one can meander through the city’s heart, where there are lots of quaint shops and places to eat.
Topping the Which? charts for large cities, Liverpool’s Christmas exuberance unfurls against the mesmerising, fairy-lit silhouette of St George’s Hall. Here, market stalls mimic gingerbread houses and enchanting grottos.
Yet, as visitors observed, “it’s not such a nostalgic affair: less choral music, artisan crafts and mince pies; more 80’s Christmas pop, fairground rides and down-to-earth menus like roast ham baps and mac and cheese”.
Beyond the seasonal dazzle, Liverpool, steeped in history, offers plenty more: the museums at Albert Dock, the artistry of the Walker Gallery, and the twin cathedrals are just some sights awaiting the intrepid traveller.
Many would argue that Edinburgh is the UK’s most beautiful city. The city is renowned for its Hogmanay celebrations, arguably the most famous New Year’s Eve festivities in the UK. Its Christmas markets are a sight to behold, with wooden chalets selling festive treats and stocking fillers. Attractions include a helter-skelter, a swing carousel that almost brushes the Gothic Scott Monument, and a big wheel offering views of the imposing medieval castle and Arthur’s Seat.
York’s Christmas Festival, also known as St Nicholas Fair, has been a staple for over three decades and is an excellent spot for gift hunting. It features dozens of alpine chalets adorned with twinkling lights in Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square.
Which? commended its “great attention to detail when it comes to accessibility, with initiatives to help those with limited mobility, and designated quiet shopping times from 9am to 12pm for those who prefer a music-free experience”. Beyond the festival, York’s rich history offers plenty to explore, including the majestic York Minster and the Shambles, a medieval lane lined with half-timbered houses, independent shops and a market.
Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, Belfast’s Christmas market is embracing a Dickensian theme with Victorian-era inspired performances scheduled for the first and third weekends. The event also places a significant emphasis on food.
Additionally, St George’s market, bustling with local food producers on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, is worth a visit. Cathedral Square, known for its bars, restaurants and galleries, is another must-see destination.
